Christendom from Pontiff Maximus down to cardinals, bishops and clergies was also organized along political and architectural schemata, and celestial representations closely reflect earthly conditions of the times. Patron-donors, East or West, lost no time in depicting themselves close to divinity. In 5th century China they were tucked humbly at the bottom, growing in audacity to outsize the Buddha by the 10th century.
The murals show astonishing disparity in scales indicative of sliding "enlightenment levels." They reveal degrees of humanity, including humor, expressions take on increasingly human attributes including greed, envy, hatred, desire etc. Humor or rage appear in inverse proportion to enlightenment. The colossal Central Buddhas do not smile or frown, they lack human attributes altogether. But even among celestial hosts, we find a few inattentive bodhisattvas and guardians during Buddha's Dharma Talks, some whispering to their neighbor, some looking out for absent friends and, down to the peacocks and human-headed musician fowl stalking the balustrades, marvelously human scowls of jealousy, accusation or pride.
The sensuously corpulent, celestial white-scrubbed female musicians and dancers of Cave 220 and elsewhere, have no precedent in earlier Chinese figure painting. Where does such non-Han imagery come from? Curiously, these are direct transformations of campfire music-dances performed by caravan drivers where sweaty, bearded and booted drivers make merry. Both Kyrghisians and Sogdians, in different gear, are often depicted in such roadside entertainment.
Overall, we glimpse not only Buddhist cosmology, but also stunning craftsmanship. No 8th century paintings anywhere match the stunning iconographical paintings, lively narratives, penetrating architectural renderings, or varieties of landscapes, flora and fauna.
Dunhuang, at its time, was humanity's highest achievement in visual and musical arts. But since the 14th century it has changed and dispersed. These days, only by visiting such an extraordinary exhibition can we experience its once-resplendent and transformative energies.
Details
Dates and Time: To next Sunday, Aug. 7
Venue: Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, 80, Meishuguan Road, Kushan District, Kaohsiung City.
Tel: (07) 555 0331
Tickets: NT$150
Opening Hours: From each Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Links: www.dunhuang-tnnua.com
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